Socio-cultural context of suicidal behavior and some relevant data about suicides in Serbia

Abstract

The paper explores a link between suicides and cultural, social, political and economic influences. Among the protective factors that lower suicide probability are proper treatment of mental illness and substance abuse, good social support, favorable socio-economic conditions, religious and cultural beliefs which do not accept suicide as an option in solving problems, adequate representation of suicides in the media, as well as restricted access to means of suicide. The analysis of statistical data about suicides in Serbia in the second half of the 20th century, especially during the 2000s, encompasses the most significant trends in number of suicides as well as differences by sex and age. Special attention is paid to regional differences and, in connection with that, differences according to ethnic affiliation. Specificities related to the frequency of suicides depending on marital status and level of education were also explored. It is concluded that efficient carrying out adopted strategies, and especially defining a national strategy for suicide prevention, can lead to the lowering of the number of suicides in Serbia. .